The Independent Artist and Social Media: Utilizing Algorithms and Trends for Optimal Exposure - As a communications major with a background in social media management, I am digital marketing focused. I’m currently working on an independent study to discover how to gain optimal exposure on social media by understanding and utilizing social media algorithms, advertising techniques, and personalized communication. This study will be useful to companies, small businesses, and individuals who want to brand themselves as creators! This is my final study as I graduate May 2024.I participated in two social media management and content creation internships at Framingham State University, fall 2022, and spring 2023. My responsibilities included, creating engaging athletic content for the university’s athletic teams, posting with attention-catching captions, managing and sharing on multiple social media platforms, and using algorithms to gain a higher follower count. I currently work at Nordstrom, as a sales associate, and am a self-employed jewelry designer. As a business owner, I have been maintaining and growing my social media pages since my start in July, 2021. I have learned how to utilize key algorithms to my advantage. In December 2023, I also was able to work with Nordstrom to have my own pop-shop for my business, Sundive Studio in store, at the Natick Mall location.From Dec. 2022-Jan. 2023 I traveled to India on a mission trip with students from Framingham State. Upon traveling there, we stayed for two weeks in Kalimpong, a village in the mountains. Communication become an important factor during this trip due to the language barrier, little to no English is spoken there. Implementing my skills allowed me to cultivate strong relationships with the people we met - especially with children at the monastery we visited numerous times. Web Links and Articles:https://maliashields10.wixsite.com/sundivestudiohttps://www.fsugatepost.com/post/malia-s-crystals-jewelry-is-a-gemhttps://www.fsugatepost.com/post/india-a-new-appreciation-for-the-world